Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini to Host CMA Fest 2017

Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett are teaming up to host CMA Fest 2017 live from Nashville this June. The singers and current tourmates will act as commentators for the three-hour ABC special, Country's Night to Rock, which brings the country music festival into homes across the nation.

"I’ve grown up going to CMA Fest as a fan and last year getting to perform on the big stage is one of the most epic memories I’ll ever have," Ballerini says in a press release. "And now, being able to host with my current tour mate, Thomas Rhett, is going to be another crazy thing off the bucket list. I can’t wait to test out my hosting skills and perform again this year!"

Rhett, who co-hosted the festival special last year with Brett Eldredge, always looks forward to the annual CMA Music Festival, held in Music City each summer.

“Ever since I was there as a fan sitting in the nosebleeds to hosting this year with Kelsea, it’s always been one of the biggest weeks in Country Music that is all about the fans. I’m pumped,” Rhett adds.

2017 CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11. A limited number of tickets for the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium are still available at CMAfest.com. Daytime stages including the Chevrolet Riverfront and Park Stages, Budweiser “Forever Country” Park Stage, Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe, and the Music City Stage inside the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena are free and open to the public.

Money raised through CMA Music Festival ticket sales for the Nightly Concerts and Fan Fair X benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support music education initiatives across the country.

The CMA Festival: Country's Night to Rock television special will air at a later, still to be announced date.